Cleopatra introduced a fashion trend to the known world at the time which has continued uninterrupted to the present-day. The rich and famous throughout history have keenly sought them and continue to do so.
The emerald has never been out of favour, a fact that is supported in more recent times by emerald devotees including the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich and even Napoleon Bonaparte who chose them for his empress, Josephine. But it is Cleopatra to whom one must look as the champion of the emerald.
No emeralds belonging to this legendary queen have survived but she is known to have been completely captivated by them and historical accounts exist of her being draped in emerald encrusted mantles on occasions. The famous Emerald mines of Egypt, located in the hills inland from the Red Sea in Egypt's eastern desert region, were owned by Cleopatra.
It was never an easy task for the ancient miners who braved extreme heat, scorpions and snakes to search for the 'green fire.' Visiting dignitaries and diplomats from beyond Egypt's borders at that time were often favoured with gifts of emeralds by Cleopatra during their visits.
This precious gemstone belongs to the gemstone family of beryl. Other well-known members of this family are aquamarine, morganite and heliodor. Pure beryl is colorless in the emerald and the green color occurs only when chromium or vanadium are present.
Apart from the fascinating association with Cleopatra what is it that makes the emerald such a romantic stone?
In ancient history it was associated with the goddess Venus - the goddess of beauty and love which gave it a headstart in the popularity stakes apart from anything else. Emeralds are much rarer than diamonds and only suitors of enormous wealth could bestow so priceless a gift on a lady.
It is the birthstone for the month of May and the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th year of marriage. This explains why a gift of emerald on these occasions is considered very appropriate.
Symbolizing the renewing cycle of life and of springtime, the intense brilliant green of the emerald secures its symbolic status in many of the world's cultures and religions. Christianity for example regards it as the most significant of the liturgical colors being a symbol of faith, hope and resurrection.
It is the color of nature, fertility and life. A field of green grass is the most restful color to the eye in nature. Green is a universally recognised color symbol around the world to represent safety. It is used widely in the corporate world as a branding color. George Washington, the first President of the United States favoured it above all other colors.
But maybe 17th century Spanish priest, writer, poet and dramatist, Pedro Calderon de la Barca put it more succinctly, "Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises."
The emerald when cut, polished and faceted has the most fabulous brilliance and depth which draws the human eye like bees to a honeypot. It's place alongside the diamond as the most preferred jewel is well justified.
But don't expect these beauties with the clearest surface and vibrant colors to come with a 'bargain-basement' sales tag. Because of their rarity, are usually more valuable than a diamond of similar carat weight.
Becoming the purchaser or giver of such a rare treasure can set you back serious money unless like Cleopatra you have an interest in an emerald mine or two. But don't despair just yet since there is a way around that.
